IEEE P802.3.1 5 criteria responses Howard Frazier – Broadcom Corporation Seoul, Korea 15-September-2008

Broad Market Potential a) Broad sets of applicability b) Multiple vendors and numerous users c) Balanced costs (LAN versus attached stations) Network management is an essential tool in the operation of all networks of greater than trivial size, and in most if not all application areas. Network management is applicable to all Ethernet operating speeds and media. There are hundreds of Ethernet vendors, including component, system and software suppliers, who produce SNMP-based network management functions and who depend on the availability of standards for SMIv2 MIB modules. There are countless end users who depend on the availability of these standards. GDMO MIB module specifications have traditionally been produced by the IEEE 802.3 working group to ensure that IEEE Std 802.3TM is technically correct and complete. Managed objects are defined with the explicit goal of balancing the cost between the LAN and the attached stations.

Compatibility IEEE 802 defines a family of standards. All standards shall be in conformance with the IEEE 802.1 Architecture, Management, and Interworking documents as follows: 802. Overview and Architecture, 802.1D, 802.1Q, and parts of 802.1f. If any variances in conformance emerge, they shall be thoroughly disclosed and reviewed with 802. Each standard in the IEEE 802 family of standards shall include a definition of managed objects that are compatible with systems management standards. Compatibility with IEEE Standard 802.3 Conformance with the IEEE Std 802.3 Managed object definitions compatible with SNMP The managed object definitions in IEEE Std 802.3 have always been specified in conformance with the referenced standards, and proposed project will build upon the existing work and continue this practice, with no foreseen exceptions. An explicit objective of the proposed project is to document the MIB modules in a manner that is compatible with systems management standards. Compatibility and conformance with IEEE Std 802.3 will be maintained by way of ongoing amendment and revision projects for IEEE Std 802.3.1TM. An explicit objective of the proposed project is to provide managed object definitions conforming to SMIv2, which is compatible with SNMP.

Distinct Identity Substantially different from other IEEE 802 standards One unique solution per problem (not two solutions to a problem) Easy for the document reader to select the relevant specification Substantially different from other 802.3 specifications/solutions Currently, GDMO MIB modules for Ethernet are specified in Annex 30A and 30B of IEEE Std 802.3. These specifications will be moved to IEEE Std 802.3.1 in the course of the proposed project. There is no other IEEE 802 standard for Ethernet interface MIB modules. The SMIv2 MIB modules for Ethernet-like interfaces were formerly produced and published by the IETF, which has stated its desire to discontinue this like of work. The SMIv2 MIB modules produced and published by the IETF will be incorporated into IEEE Std 802.3.1 in the course of the proposed project. The GDMO and SMIv2 MIB modules will be published in a new standard, to be designated IEEE Std 802.3.1, making it easy for the document reader to select the relevant specification. The standard will be published in both the traditional format, as well as a machine-readable (ASCII) format, making it easier for network management software developers to use the specifications. Once the initial project for IEEE Std 802.3.1 has been completed, the GDMO specifications in IEEE Std 802.3 will be deprecated. Future amendments and revisions to IEEE Std 802.3.1 will be performed as necessary to track amendments and revisions to IEEE Std 802.3.

Technical Feasibility Demonstrated system feasibility Proven technology, reasonable testing Confidence in reliability MIB compilers have existed for both SMIv2 and GDMO modules for many years. SNMP management agents have been implemented in a very diverse range of products. Nearly every type of product that provides an Ethernet interface is supported by an SNMP agent. Layer management entities and network management systems based on SNMP and SMIv2 have been in operation for many years. There is an enormous amount of field experience with implementations of the SMIv2 MIB modules for Ethernet-like interfaces. Not only have they been proven reliable, the very existence of these implementations improves the overall reliability of Ethernet networks by supporting network and device level monitoring and fault isolation.

Economic Feasibility Known cost factors, reliable data Reasonable cost for performance Consideration of installation costs The cost factors associated with the implementation of Ethernet-like MIBs conforming to SMIv2 are well known. The proposed project will not introduce any new cost factors. Over a billion units shipped (and counting) suggests that SMIv2 conformant MIB modules entail a reasonable cost for the supplied performance. It is well understood that some very cost-sensitive applications do not implement SMIv2 conformant MIB modules or the SNMP protocol. The use of standards-based MIB modules and network management protocols lowers the installation and operating costs of large networks, by obviating the need for customized agents tailored to a specific protocol or MIB structure.